Microplastics Pollution Threatens Estuarine Fisheries

Syllabus:GS3/Environment

In News

• A recent study found widespread microplastic contamination in fish along Goa’s Mandovi estuary. 

Microplastics 

• They are tiny plastic pieces or fibers smaller than 5 millimeters—some are even invisible to the human eye. 
• They come in various forms, such as beads, fragments, pellets, film, foam, and fibers.

Environmental and Health Impacts

• Microplastic pollution is causing serious health problems in India, including reduced fertility, hormonal imbalances, and increased risk of cancers and chronic diseases.
• Microplastics infiltrate ecosystems through water runoff, sewage, and atmospheric deposition. 
• Small fish ingest microplastics, which then move up the food chain via bioaccumulation and trophic transfer.
• Health risks for humans consuming contaminated seafood include immune dysfunction, reproductive damage, and increased cancer risk.

Efforts Made in India

• India has taken several steps to combat plastic pollution:
  • Ban on Single-Use Plastics (July 2022): Prohibited items include plastic cutlery, straws, and packaging films.
  • Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Mandates manufacturers to manage post-consumer plastic waste.
  • Clean India Mission: Integrates plastic waste management into broader sanitation goals.

 Challenges

• Lack of standardized detection methods for microplastics in food and water.
•  Limited public awareness about microplastic risks.
•  Insufficient infrastructure for waste segregation and recycling.

Conclusion and the Way Ahead

• Microplastic pollution is a growing environmental and health issue in India, found in water, marine life, and food. 
• To address it, India should boost research, support biodegradable alternatives, improve waste management, and raise public awareness. 
• With global action lagging, India has a chance to lead by implementing a coordinated national strategy that combines science, policy, and community efforts.

Source :TH